Paul Jones and Fiona Hendley put on a star turn at Torrevieja Christian Fellowship

I don’t think that even Pastor Roy Davies knew quite what was in store for the evening but from the moment Paul and Fiona stepped foot on the stage they had the audience in the palms of their hands.

Torrevieja has a number of great venues for the performing arts and last week another one came to light as former Manfred Mann front-man Paul Jones and his stunning wife Fiona Hendley took the stage at the new home of Torrevieja Christian Fellowship on Cortes Valencianas.

However this was not your typical musical engagement but one where the couple told a captivated audience about how they first discovered, or rediscovered Christianity and how it has held them together for the past 15-years of married life. Not surprising, Sir Cliff Richard had more than a little something to do helping them find their faith.

I don’t think that even Pastor Roy Davies knew quite what was in store for the evening but from the moment Paul and Fiona stepped foot on the stage they had the audience in the palms of their hands. It could be said that Paul and Fiona were ‘preaching to the converted’ but none of the 400 strong audience wanted to miss a single minute of their 90-minute testimony and sat glued to their seats for the entire performance.

Both performers told stories of their entertainment careers, how they first met back in 1984 when they were cast opposite each other in the lead roles of 'Guys and Dolls' and Cliff Richard helping them find Christ. The evening also contained gospel songs from their latest album ‘Personal’ (they only brought 20-copies with them so this was not a sales trip), plus a touch of humour and a lot of sincerity, not often seen from today’s younger breed of performer. The couple tour with their ‘show’ about 30 times a year and their word-perfect performance and singing made the hour and a half fly by.

Paul Jones is a very youthful 68-years young, still presents a show on BBC Radio 2 and performs with both the Manfreds and The Blues Band, while Fiona, who is possibly best known for her role in the 1980’s ITV series ‘Widows’, primarily works only alongside her husband and as a Christian speaker. Both Fiona and Paul stayed behind for almost an hour to chat with the audience, pose for photos and sign autographs in a totally unassuming and personal manner. It was refreshing night of music and entertainment even for those that might not have been 100% committed before they walked through the door. Audio management was provided and appreciated by Torrevieja’s DJ ‘Snoopy’ and the good news for fans of Paul Jones is that negotiations have started to possibly bring the Blues Band over to perform in Torrevieja when dates are available.

Keith Nicol

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